To demonstrate one of Tufte’s theories, Layering and Separation, I have chosen below a diagram based on light projection mapping with different types of technology showing effectiveness and range across a line of buildings. “Layering and separation induce a calming effect on data”(Tufte, 1990), a colour key is presented clearly at the top of the diagram surrounded by black negative space, this is effective as it helps separate the information from the imagery below creating less complication and more clarity for the guide. “Some elements of the graphic become more salient and others become less” these colour coded elements make the designers main focus seem more on the attention of the data presented, making it easier to interpret.
(1)
(2)
Here above is a bad example of layering and separation, in my opinion, this visual is a diagram that is supposed to show set different examples of dotted patterns and colours, selling the laser technology to the customers and viewers. “Confusion and clutter are failures to design, not attributes of information. And so the point is to find design strategies that reveal detail and complexity- rather than to fault the data for an excess of complication.”(Tufte, 1990) It’s important that the data is easy to interpret and not too noisy, making it clear to follow. The layering of information in this image is random and flushed together on top of each other, creating confusion and an unclarity of each visual blocking information. Separation however is effective in certain areas using the shaped boxes with a highlight of white to define the sections of imagery from the background.
References:
(1) Anon. 2017. Website: http://news.panasonic.com/global/images/01_Tennoz_Projection.jpg (Accessed, October 31)
(2) Mini Laser. Website: Ebay.com / URL – s-l400.jpg (400×400) (ebayimg.com) (Accessed, November 2)
Tufte, Edward. R, 1990. Envisioning information